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Wings of Refuge #6
A Soldier's Devotion
U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper Vince Reardon was headed to a lifesaving mission. Until a too-pretty lawyer crashed her fancy car into his motorcycle—sidelining him for two weeks. Vince can barely accept Valentina Russo's heartfelt apologies. Ever since his brother was wrongly convicted—and killed in prison—Vince has lost respect for lawyers. But wait—is that Val volunteering at his refuge for underprivileged kids? If Vince isn't careful, this lady of the law might just earn his respect and his heart.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 15, 2009
9 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 9, 2022
This is a clean romance, and this is the sixth book in the Wings of Refuge series. I have not read the other books in this series. I loved the characters in this book. I found Vince's character very developed, and I really love his character. I do not feel Val's character was as developed, and I felt I wanted more from her character. I found the romance in this book to be slow moving and sweet. The big thing I really hated about this book was it felt like faith was being push down throat. I just felt the faith parts was not handle very well, and they keep going over the same things.
March 24, 2020
I have read this book four times. It has everything...romance, action, high emotion. I fell in love with the strong characters immediately and felt invested in their story.
April 14, 2019
Another excellent book in the series.
July 30, 2023
A pleasant series, clean romance, strong men, tough women and their journey with/towards finding faith, in not just each other, but religion too.
July 27, 2023
An ok read.
July 30, 2012
Recently Cheryl Wyatt released a new Love Inspired series called “Eagle Point”. When I picked it up, I realized that it was a spin-off of another widely popular series of Ms. Wyatt’s “Refuge”. While I came in late on the Refuge series and only got to pick up the last two books, the Refuge series was why I recognized Cheryl Wyatt’s name on this book and picked it up. Therefore, I’m going to take you back to those two books before I start on this new series, but I can already tell you that I’m looking forward to the “Eagle Point” series.
The first Cheryl Wyatt book I read actually was, I believe, the fifth or sixth in the series, but “A Soldier’s Devotion” starts off with a bang. Literally! While on the phone, Val Russo missed a red light and ran smack dab into PJ Vince and not only totaled his motorcycle custom made by his now deceased brother, but nearly totaled Vince as well.
Personal prejudices hit home for me here as I really wanted to side with Vince in his anger toward Val for the accident. While I don’t ride, two of my brothers do and negligence by four wheeled (or more) drivers tend to be a major cause for accidents for motorcycle riders. My younger brother had an accident not too long ago when a driver, distracted by her cellphone, pulled out in front of him and sent him tumbling over the hood of her car onto the road where he was nearly hit by another car.
Needless to say, distracted driving really gets by ire up and Val’s apologies to Vince seemed hollow. Was she sorry for being distracted and hitting him? Or was she sorry that even though she was distracted she couldn’t avoid hitting him? A little cynical (okay, a lot!) but I was curious to see how to author expected to redeem Val after something like this.
I didn’t have long to wait and boy, did I feel this small *holds two fingers barely apart from each other*. Turned out Val wasn’t chatting with a girlfriend about the latest fashions or what happened on TV last night. She wasn’t even taking to her boss about work that needed to be finished. Nope, Val was on the phone with her aunt’s doctor. Seems her aunt fell down the basement stairs and needed surgery. Serious enough surgery that they couldn’t wait for Val to get to the hospital.
Yup, while Vince (and I) sat there condemning her for the accident, she stayed by Vince’s side until help came despite really needing to be at the hospital with her aunt. I mistook her totally self-less act as an attempt to cover her butt and possibly make Vince think she was truly repentant so he didn’t sue her for the accident. She took full responsibility for her actions, getting tickets in the process which has to be embarrassing for a prosecutor to have to pay. Still there were extenuating circumstances behind the situation that played an important role in her situation.
Sometimes I think we get caught up in the evidence before us sometimes that we forget to see what’s really behind the situation and rush to judgment based on a few facts. I’ve been in that situation before myself so you’d think I’d have learned by now but I’m still being taught valuable lessons. I guess that’s why I’m still here. *grin*
Anyway, I think I’ve pretty much gotten you through the first chapter. At this rate, it might be quicker just to pick up the book and read it yourself. LOL. It is worth it but since you came here looking for a review, let’s see if I can move things along and just hit the high points.
When Val learns that the bike she just totaled was custom made by Vince’s brother who died while imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, she decides to take it upon herself to get the motorcycle fixed. Unfortunately, the only other person remotely capable of repairing the bike back to its original custom condition happens to be Vince’s estranged sister.
Vince and his sister Victoria (like all the V names…lol) haven’t talked since their brother’s death so Val’s task isn’t an easy one. Still, she doesn’t give up on repairing the bike or on getting Vince to see he has some value beyond being a big tough parajumper.
Vince’s lack of self-worth is quite evident from the beginning of the story when he doesn’t understand why his team would forgo their mission to save a pilot in order to be with him after his accident. The other PJ team sent in to rescue the pilot ends up failing, adding more guilt to Vince’s shoulders. He doesn’t grasp why Val would seem to care about what happens to him. Instead he figures he must be some kind of pet project that she’ll soon grow tired of and then she’ll leave him alone.
Not the case. Val notices the way he is with the at-risk kids she brings to the swimming pool for lessons. His tattoos make his approachable to the teens while his easy manner with them makes him an adult they can trust. From the sound of things, they don’t have very many adults they can count on in tough situations.
In fact, one of the kids, Logan, is being abused by his mother’s boyfriend. Like most cases I’ve heard of personally involving boyfriends and stepfathers, Logan’s mom isn’t aware of the abuse and her Moron (as Logan calls her boyfriend) has threatened to hurt the mother if the boy squeals. But after getting his arm broken by the boyfriend, Logan has no choice and Val and Vince are there to not only help get the boyfriend out of their lives but to help get him arrested for dealing drugs as well.
Vince starts finally seeing what Val has been saying about him being the answer to someone’s prayers. I want to say this is the start of Vince’s journey towards God but I think there has been a little bit here and there throughout the story leading up to this. The transition of Vince from lost rebel biker to a faith devoted military man is well developed throughout this story and the change is so believable that you want to weep along with Val and his friends when he finally takes that step towards becoming a godly man.
Now Val isn’t without her own conflicts in this story but I’ll let you read it to find out where she falters and where she triumphs. Her story isn’t as much finding faith as it is retaining faith in tough times. But the reunion between brother and sister and the union between Val and Vince is well worth reading to the end.
After reading just this story, I knew Cheryl Wyatt was going to be an author I picked up again in the future.
If you want to find out more about Cheryl Wyatt and her booklist, please look her up at http://www.cherylwyatt.com/
Note: You can pick up any or all of Cheryl's books at the Harlequin E-book store HERE
The first Cheryl Wyatt book I read actually was, I believe, the fifth or sixth in the series, but “A Soldier’s Devotion” starts off with a bang. Literally! While on the phone, Val Russo missed a red light and ran smack dab into PJ Vince and not only totaled his motorcycle custom made by his now deceased brother, but nearly totaled Vince as well.
Personal prejudices hit home for me here as I really wanted to side with Vince in his anger toward Val for the accident. While I don’t ride, two of my brothers do and negligence by four wheeled (or more) drivers tend to be a major cause for accidents for motorcycle riders. My younger brother had an accident not too long ago when a driver, distracted by her cellphone, pulled out in front of him and sent him tumbling over the hood of her car onto the road where he was nearly hit by another car.
Needless to say, distracted driving really gets by ire up and Val’s apologies to Vince seemed hollow. Was she sorry for being distracted and hitting him? Or was she sorry that even though she was distracted she couldn’t avoid hitting him? A little cynical (okay, a lot!) but I was curious to see how to author expected to redeem Val after something like this.
I didn’t have long to wait and boy, did I feel this small *holds two fingers barely apart from each other*. Turned out Val wasn’t chatting with a girlfriend about the latest fashions or what happened on TV last night. She wasn’t even taking to her boss about work that needed to be finished. Nope, Val was on the phone with her aunt’s doctor. Seems her aunt fell down the basement stairs and needed surgery. Serious enough surgery that they couldn’t wait for Val to get to the hospital.
Yup, while Vince (and I) sat there condemning her for the accident, she stayed by Vince’s side until help came despite really needing to be at the hospital with her aunt. I mistook her totally self-less act as an attempt to cover her butt and possibly make Vince think she was truly repentant so he didn’t sue her for the accident. She took full responsibility for her actions, getting tickets in the process which has to be embarrassing for a prosecutor to have to pay. Still there were extenuating circumstances behind the situation that played an important role in her situation.
Sometimes I think we get caught up in the evidence before us sometimes that we forget to see what’s really behind the situation and rush to judgment based on a few facts. I’ve been in that situation before myself so you’d think I’d have learned by now but I’m still being taught valuable lessons. I guess that’s why I’m still here. *grin*
Anyway, I think I’ve pretty much gotten you through the first chapter. At this rate, it might be quicker just to pick up the book and read it yourself. LOL. It is worth it but since you came here looking for a review, let’s see if I can move things along and just hit the high points.
When Val learns that the bike she just totaled was custom made by Vince’s brother who died while imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, she decides to take it upon herself to get the motorcycle fixed. Unfortunately, the only other person remotely capable of repairing the bike back to its original custom condition happens to be Vince’s estranged sister.
Vince and his sister Victoria (like all the V names…lol) haven’t talked since their brother’s death so Val’s task isn’t an easy one. Still, she doesn’t give up on repairing the bike or on getting Vince to see he has some value beyond being a big tough parajumper.
Vince’s lack of self-worth is quite evident from the beginning of the story when he doesn’t understand why his team would forgo their mission to save a pilot in order to be with him after his accident. The other PJ team sent in to rescue the pilot ends up failing, adding more guilt to Vince’s shoulders. He doesn’t grasp why Val would seem to care about what happens to him. Instead he figures he must be some kind of pet project that she’ll soon grow tired of and then she’ll leave him alone.
Not the case. Val notices the way he is with the at-risk kids she brings to the swimming pool for lessons. His tattoos make his approachable to the teens while his easy manner with them makes him an adult they can trust. From the sound of things, they don’t have very many adults they can count on in tough situations.
In fact, one of the kids, Logan, is being abused by his mother’s boyfriend. Like most cases I’ve heard of personally involving boyfriends and stepfathers, Logan’s mom isn’t aware of the abuse and her Moron (as Logan calls her boyfriend) has threatened to hurt the mother if the boy squeals. But after getting his arm broken by the boyfriend, Logan has no choice and Val and Vince are there to not only help get the boyfriend out of their lives but to help get him arrested for dealing drugs as well.
Vince starts finally seeing what Val has been saying about him being the answer to someone’s prayers. I want to say this is the start of Vince’s journey towards God but I think there has been a little bit here and there throughout the story leading up to this. The transition of Vince from lost rebel biker to a faith devoted military man is well developed throughout this story and the change is so believable that you want to weep along with Val and his friends when he finally takes that step towards becoming a godly man.
Now Val isn’t without her own conflicts in this story but I’ll let you read it to find out where she falters and where she triumphs. Her story isn’t as much finding faith as it is retaining faith in tough times. But the reunion between brother and sister and the union between Val and Vince is well worth reading to the end.
After reading just this story, I knew Cheryl Wyatt was going to be an author I picked up again in the future.
If you want to find out more about Cheryl Wyatt and her booklist, please look her up at http://www.cherylwyatt.com/
Note: You can pick up any or all of Cheryl's books at the Harlequin E-book store HERE
September 9, 2019
Another good story in this series
September 4, 2010
Attorney Valentina Russo (Val) is new in Refuge. She was on her way to the courthouse when she got a call on her cell phone that her aunt had toppled down her basement stairs on a medical scooter. She got a ticket for talking on the cell phone while driving.
She saw the red light too late and hit Vance Reardon on his bike. Though her aunt was in dire need of her, she stayed and prayed for him until the ambulance arrived. She got a ticket for disobeying the a traffic signal.
Although she wasn't speeding according to the skid marks, she got a ticket for driving too fast for conditions.
Vance Reardon was on his way to participate in a lifesaving mission with his U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper unit when he was careened into by Val in her sporty red car. Now his life was side-lined for two weeks, and the mission was passed off to another unit.
Vance is seething that she wrecked his bike, because it was custom-built by his brother while in prison. A one-of-kind and irreplaceable-his brother was dead from a prison riot. He had been incarcerated for a crime someone else did.
Vince has no time for God, Christians or lawyers, though he did feel comforted while Val prayed for him at the accident before the ambulance arrived.
Cheryl's story was delightful to read because of the dichotomy of Vince and Val's relationship-the fiery rage of Vince clashing with Val's conviction that God lovingly wants her to minister to him. Yet Cheryl had the romantic sparks flying between them.
Cheryl was able to pull together the intricate, instant reactions in Vince's demeanor with split-second timing, indicating a deeper level to his pain. The little nuances of his facial expressions spoke volumes to Val. Yet Val's transparency was so refreshing. She has Vince's tender side show when he was impressed with Val's level of involvement with the community, even though she was an attorney!
What also made it delightful was seeing the slow changes in the love-hate relationship, and Vince's choice to trust. Cheryl plays this decision in a precise manner that gives you the thrills and chills that Val was feeling.
God doesn't give up on the unlovely. No matter our dispositions. He loves us and wants us to be committed to Him. The question is whether Vince will stop running and surrender.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review of her book. You will enjoy it! It's real-no pat answers. Raw emotions. Hard anger. Yet tenderness. A great read!
She saw the red light too late and hit Vance Reardon on his bike. Though her aunt was in dire need of her, she stayed and prayed for him until the ambulance arrived. She got a ticket for disobeying the a traffic signal.
Although she wasn't speeding according to the skid marks, she got a ticket for driving too fast for conditions.
Vance Reardon was on his way to participate in a lifesaving mission with his U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper unit when he was careened into by Val in her sporty red car. Now his life was side-lined for two weeks, and the mission was passed off to another unit.
Vance is seething that she wrecked his bike, because it was custom-built by his brother while in prison. A one-of-kind and irreplaceable-his brother was dead from a prison riot. He had been incarcerated for a crime someone else did.
Vince has no time for God, Christians or lawyers, though he did feel comforted while Val prayed for him at the accident before the ambulance arrived.
Cheryl's story was delightful to read because of the dichotomy of Vince and Val's relationship-the fiery rage of Vince clashing with Val's conviction that God lovingly wants her to minister to him. Yet Cheryl had the romantic sparks flying between them.
Cheryl was able to pull together the intricate, instant reactions in Vince's demeanor with split-second timing, indicating a deeper level to his pain. The little nuances of his facial expressions spoke volumes to Val. Yet Val's transparency was so refreshing. She has Vince's tender side show when he was impressed with Val's level of involvement with the community, even though she was an attorney!
What also made it delightful was seeing the slow changes in the love-hate relationship, and Vince's choice to trust. Cheryl plays this decision in a precise manner that gives you the thrills and chills that Val was feeling.
God doesn't give up on the unlovely. No matter our dispositions. He loves us and wants us to be committed to Him. The question is whether Vince will stop running and surrender.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review of her book. You will enjoy it! It's real-no pat answers. Raw emotions. Hard anger. Yet tenderness. A great read!
May 27, 2012
A Soldier’s Devotion
By: Cheryl Wyatt
This is another great book by Cheryl Wyatt! A Soldier’s Devotion is about a pararescue jumper, Vince Reardon, and his journey to faith. Have you had something happen in your past that you didn’t understand, or thought God had deserted you? You will have your faith restored by reading this book! As Vince learns, God doesn’t desert you. He has plans for you, and loves you. Things will happen that we don’t understand, but with our faith in God, we can overcome and be comforted.
Valentina Russo literally runs into Vince and turns his world upside down. She causes him to rethink some of his beliefs, especially about him thinking God has turned His back on him. Vince has a thing about lawyers, and guess what Val’s occupation is? That’s right; a lawyer! She’s a perfect match for Vince, but can she convince him to look past her job? Cheryl does an awesome job of pulling you into the story. The characters become your best friends and you can’t wait to see how their story will end.
A Soldier’s Devotion is faith-inspiring, has romance, and lots of humor. You will find you have a better perspective of God’s love and faithfulness once you read this book. And you will have laughed at the antics of the two main characters. Cheryl Wyatt is a very talented writer. I look forward to reading many more of her books and I highly recommend this one!
Cheryl WyattA Soldier's Devotion
By: Cheryl Wyatt
This is another great book by Cheryl Wyatt! A Soldier’s Devotion is about a pararescue jumper, Vince Reardon, and his journey to faith. Have you had something happen in your past that you didn’t understand, or thought God had deserted you? You will have your faith restored by reading this book! As Vince learns, God doesn’t desert you. He has plans for you, and loves you. Things will happen that we don’t understand, but with our faith in God, we can overcome and be comforted.
Valentina Russo literally runs into Vince and turns his world upside down. She causes him to rethink some of his beliefs, especially about him thinking God has turned His back on him. Vince has a thing about lawyers, and guess what Val’s occupation is? That’s right; a lawyer! She’s a perfect match for Vince, but can she convince him to look past her job? Cheryl does an awesome job of pulling you into the story. The characters become your best friends and you can’t wait to see how their story will end.
A Soldier’s Devotion is faith-inspiring, has romance, and lots of humor. You will find you have a better perspective of God’s love and faithfulness once you read this book. And you will have laughed at the antics of the two main characters. Cheryl Wyatt is a very talented writer. I look forward to reading many more of her books and I highly recommend this one!
Cheryl WyattA Soldier's Devotion
August 13, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. The Love Inspired novels are generally rather short and prove to be any "easy" read. I'm usually able to finish in a long afternoon, so they're not really those books you become engrossed in. Therefore, I normally don't "love" them.
This one though, I couldn't put down. It may have to do with the fact that it involves the military, with which I immediately relate. I have never read any of the other Wings of Refuge series, but I will definitely keep an out for them now... or anything else by Cheryl Wyatt.
This one though, I couldn't put down. It may have to do with the fact that it involves the military, with which I immediately relate. I have never read any of the other Wings of Refuge series, but I will definitely keep an out for them now... or anything else by Cheryl Wyatt.
February 10, 2012
This is the book I found in the library that made me want to visit Refuge over and over again!
I loved Val and Vince's story - but I loved their bond with their church and friends even more. I have gone on to read every other book in the series I could find.
I went to a used bookstore and bought all of them that they had - they are on my nightstand and I will reread when ever I need the comfort of a good book.
I loved Val and Vince's story - but I loved their bond with their church and friends even more. I have gone on to read every other book in the series I could find.
I went to a used bookstore and bought all of them that they had - they are on my nightstand and I will reread when ever I need the comfort of a good book.
May 17, 2010
If you're name doesn't start with a 'V' then you're not a main or important character in this book! LOL I laughed throughout this whole book, the characters were just hilarious and the plot was fantastic! I would reread this in a heartbeat!
October 10, 2015
4 Stars
First off I am not usually a fan of romance books but this one is written very well, The humor in it is Hilarious, But the thing I didn't like about it was the V names? That just annoyed me, But other wise great book.
First off I am not usually a fan of romance books but this one is written very well, The humor in it is Hilarious, But the thing I didn't like about it was the V names? That just annoyed me, But other wise great book.
October 21, 2010
This is one of my favorite books by Love Inspired. Good romance and believable story.
February 3, 2014
Vince and Val meet after Val crashes into Vince's motorcycle with her car while talking on the phone! OK so this one is updated, but still very predictable.
May 31, 2016
One of my favorite books of all the ones I've read. I enjoy the humor and the story very much. (And to be honest, Vince sounds pretty dreamy!)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews